As late autumn turned to early winter, the expert team once again visited Xiaoling Village. At the same time, a large batch of fruit trees was transported in, and the township government shifted its focus to the village.
The villagers finished planting all the trees in less than three days. Unfortunately, this season wasn’t suitable for grafting. The experts would send students in spring to check the trees' survival rate before proceeding with grafting.
Meanwhile, Lin Han, back at the military academy, immediately filed a report with the military district, explaining the special nature of Nan Sheng’s work and requesting that the higher-ups coordinate with the local government in advance.
Commander Ye was somewhat incredulous. He hadn’t expected the fiery sister-in-law mentioned in the letters to hold such a respectable job. After sending subordinates to investigate, he learned she wasn’t just an ordinary local clerk—she was highly regarded by the county government and even recognized at the municipal level.
The government reluctantly agreed to her transfer only because she was following her husband to the military base, but they strongly insisted that the military district arrange a suitable position for her.
Commander Ye wasn’t in a hurry. With nearly a year left, he was confident he could find the right placement for his sister-in-law.
As the weather grew colder, the villagers began preparing for winter. The men went up the mountains to chop firewood, while the women took out last year’s thick winter clothes, unpicked them, and stuffed in fresh cotton to make them last another year.
During her break, Nan Sheng also dug out the family’s padded jackets. Sizhe and Siqi’s clothes were too small now—she’d have to buy new cotton and fabric to make replacements. Though her own jacket could still be worn, the padding no longer felt warm.
Since tomorrow was her son’s birthday, she decided to ride her bike to town to buy cotton, fabric, meat, and vegetables.
At the black market, Nan Sheng headed straight to Xiao Yi’s stall. After greeting Shitou, Mingli eagerly approached her, barely containing his excitement.
“Sis, guess how much I made this month?”
“Forty-five yuan!”
“In a year, I’ll save at least five hundred!”
Since joining the black market, Mingli’s horizons had broadened. When Xiao Yi was in town, he often took Mingli under his wing, promising to show him the wider world if he proved himself reliable.
Nan Sheng reminded him, “Making money is good, but don’t forget the risks. Keep your wits about you.”
Mingli quickly agreed. He knew the stakes—he just wanted to earn a little to ease his parents’ burdens. This was already more than enough.
He accompanied Nan Sheng to buy cotton, fabric, meat, and pastries, initially boasting that he’d foot the bill. But after purchasing the cotton and fabric, he fell silent.
Eight sets of new clothes—who could afford that?
Nan Sheng also bought cotton for her parents’ household and asked Mingli to deliver it that evening. Since she wasn’t skilled at sewing, she’d have to trouble Zhong Yanyan again.
Leaving the black market, she stopped by the supply and marketing cooperative for vegetables. The selection was limited—radishes, cabbage, bean sprouts—nothing she didn’t already have at home. She only picked up a block of tofu.
By the time she returned, it was just past noon. Nan Sheng ate a quick meal before starting her chores—packing away summer and autumn clothes deep in the wardrobe while washing and airing out the winter ones.
After school, Sizhe and Siqi walked home with their grandmother. Siqi’s short legs slowed them down, so Fan Shuting and Sizhe adjusted their pace to match hers.
“Big kid, winter’s coming. Are you getting new padded clothes, or is your mom just altering the old ones?”
Fan Shuting knew her daughter-in-law wasn’t much of a seamstress—she’d previously handed the children’s autumn clothes to her to make. Now, with tensions between the households, she worried Nan Sheng might hesitate to ask.
“Not sure. I’ll ask when I get home.”
Siqi pricked up her ears. Her current outfit had drawn compliments from teachers and classmates alike. She secretly hoped her mother would make her another new set.
At home, Siqi tossed her schoolbag onto the kang and dashed to the kitchen. “Mom, what’s cooking?”
She could already smell the meat!
Following the saying “winter radishes, summer ginger,” Nan Sheng had not only bought pork but also managed to get two jin of beef, which she stewed with radishes.
Siqi clung to Nan Sheng’s leg, making it impossible for her to move. “You little leech! Go wash up with your brother—dinner’s almost ready.”
Sizhe dumped the dirty water and helped his sister, knowing she’d splash everywhere otherwise. By then, Nan Sheng had already set the table.
Steamed rice paired with beef and radish meatball soup—just one bowl was enough to warm you up. The braised tofu was also richly flavored.
Siqi avoided the radishes, sticking to meatballs and tofu, while Sizhe devoured everything. He found the radishes soaked in meat broth especially delicious, polishing off three bowls.
With the cold weather, leftovers wouldn’t spoil. The remaining beef soup would be reheated for breakfast.
While Nan Sheng washed dishes, Sizhe brought in the dried clothes, holding them up to show how much he’d outgrown them.
“Don’t worry. I bought fabric and cotton today—two new sets for everyone, one lighter and one thicker. I’ve already sent your grandma’s share over.”
Sizhe thought to himself, Grandma’s concern was wasted. Mom doesn’t need her help.
Lin Han had mentioned Sizhe’s birthday in a letter. When the boy woke up to find his mother making noodles, he was stunned.
In the village, only elders celebrated birthdays with such fanfare—kids usually just got an egg.
Touched, Sizhe asked, “Mom, did you make this for me? How’d you know it’s my birthday?”
Nan Sheng smiled. “Longevity noodles for a long life. Go wake your sister—breakfast is almost ready.”
The handmade noodles in Sizhe’s bowl came with two poached eggs, garnished with scallions and carrots. To a child, it felt like a grand celebration.
Pouting, Siqi pointed at her bowl. “Mom, why do I only get one egg? Do you like Gege more?”
Nan Sheng wasn’t about to indulge her recent habit of comparing everything. She plopped her own egg into Siqi’s bowl.
“Lin Siqi, if you don’t finish every last bite of those noodles and eggs, you’ll regret it!”
Siqi froze, startled by her mother’s sudden sternness, and looked to her brother for help.
Sizhe snorted, giving one of his eggs to Nan Sheng. “What are you looking at? If you don’t eat up, Mom and I will both spank you!”
This little troublemaker’s getting worse.
With no allies left, Siqi surrendered. She slid off her chair, sticking out her bottom in apology. “Mom, just spank me now! I don’t wanna waste food. I won’t make you mad again!”
Nan Sheng swatted her lightly, torn between amusement and exasperation. “Get back up and eat. You’ll be late for school.”
In the end, the egg from Nan Sheng’s bowl made its way back to Sizhe’s, and breakfast passed in lively chaos.
